Minnesota § 626.52 - SUSPICIOUS WOUNDS; REPORTING BY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 626.52 — SUSPICIOUS WOUNDS; REPORTING BY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 626.52. SUSPICIOUS WOUNDS; REPORTING BY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Subdivision 1.Definition.
As used in this section, "health professional" means a physician, surgeon, person authorized to engage in the practice of healing, superintendent or manager of a hospital, nurse, or pharmacist.
Subd. 2.Health professionals required to report.
A health professional shall immediately report, as provided under section 626.53, to the local police department or county sheriff all bullet wounds, gunshot wounds, powder burns, or any other injury arising from, or caused by the discharge of any gun, pistol, or any other firearm, which wound the health professional is called upon to treat, dress, or bandage.
A health professional shall report to the proper police authorities any wound that the reporter has reasonable cause to believe has been inflicted on a perpetrator of a crime by a dangerous weapon other than a firearm as defined under section 609.02, subdivision 6.
Subd. 3.Reporting burns.
A health professional shall file a written report with the state fire marshal within 72 hours after being notified of a burn injury or wound that the professional is called upon to treat, dress, or bandage, if the victim has sustained second- or third-degree burns to five percent or more of the body, the victim has sustained burns to the upper respiratory tract or sustained laryngeal edema from inhaling superheated air, or the victim has sustained a burn injury or wound that may result in the victim's death. The state fire marshal shall provide the form for the report.
Subd. 4.Immunity from liability.
Any person reporting in good faith and exercising due care shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that otherwise might result by reason of the person's actions pursuant to this section or section 626.53. No cause of action may be brought against any person for not making a report pursuant to this section or section 626.53.
History:
(9950-22a) 1935 c 165 s 1; 1963 c 489 s 1; 1965 c 759 s 1; 1985 c 288 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 548 s 1,2; 1989 c 290 art 8 s 3; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 12 s 17
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 626.52
What does Minnesota Statutes § 626.52 cover?
Section 626.52 ("SUSPICIOUS WOUNDS; REPORTING BY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 626.52?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 626.52" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 626.52 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.